DUBAI, January 24: Former President and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the announcement of the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif for not seeking extension in his tenure.
In a state on Monday, the former president stated, “It is good that the rumors that the army chief was seeking an extension have been set aside and a categorical statement made that General Raheel will not seek extension in service.
He said that the army is a premier institution of the country, the cause of which will be best served if the tradition of extension in service is not allowed to gain roots.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said he will not get extension in his service, and will retire on due date. “Speculations about extension in service of COAS are baseless,” DG ISPR Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa said.
COAS said: ‘Pakistan Army is a great institution. I don’t believe in extension’… and will retire on the due date,” Bajwa quoted the army chief in a series of tweets. “Efforts to root out terrorism will continue with full vigour and resolve… Pakistan’s national interest is supreme and will be safe guarded at all costs,” Bajwa said further.
General Raheel Sharif, who was appointed for three years on 27 Nov. 2013, is going to retire in November this year. -Online